Back to Your RootsBody Shop · NYC
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Healing Doesn't Have To Hurt
Therapeutic body work spontaneously crafted to address your exact needs. Each session is as unique and individualized as you are.
Every session draws on the same toolkit of neuromuscular therapy, myofascial release, assisted stretching and nervous-system work. Pick the one that matches what you need today.
David's signature style and most versatile offering. Clothed or draped depending on your needs. Put yourself in his capable hands and let him find the best approach for you. Select to learn more.
Focused body work customized to whatever ails you, including injury and surgical rehab. Common ailments include chronic pain, stiff neck, low back pain, carpal tunnel, thoracic outlet syndrome, sciatica, TMJD, anxiety, repetitive stress injuries, plantar fasciitis, tight hip flexors and headache/migraine. Available as a single session or as a package with a progressive treatment protocol and movement coaching.
A deeply relaxing spa-style oil massage with long, gliding strokes and kneading, integrated with targeted myofascial release, trigger point work, assisted stretching and down-regulation of your nervous system. Pressure ranges from firm to fingertip-light. For when you need to be soothed and take a vacation from the world.
Most massages guide your muscles to let go. This work invites your nervous system to exhale. Gentle rocking, slow passive movement, still holds, acupoints, quiet sound and guided visualization, sequenced to move you out of fight-or-flight and into real rest. Three ways to receive it: The Long Exhale in the studio, Sleep Massage in your home or hotel, and The Final Kindness at the end of life.
Feeling good, from your back to your roots.David Kelly · Union Square, New York
Massage calms the nervous system and gives the brain a chance to turn off and rest. It is particularly effective for stress, anxiety and depression.
Your body carries all the stresses of your daily life, whether sitting too long or pushing too hard. Body work helps to reset your body back to its most open and efficient state.
Sometimes you just need to get away and have some "me" time. Treat yourself to a luxurious massage, customized to meet your unique needs.
One rate for every style of session in the studio. Longer sessions leave room for the full-body work David recommends.
Hello! I'm David, the owner of Back To Your Roots Body Shop and founder of Body Reflex Therapy. I am a Licensed Massage Therapist, Certified Personal Trainer, certified prenatal therapist, and professional experiential educator and communication skills coach. I have been studying and practicing various forms of body work for over 30 years.
My background includes multiple styles of martial arts and dance and a career as a professional facilitator, an experiential educator and outdoor adventure instructor, as well as teaching physical education and fitness, and running multiple educational companies.
My goal is to help my clients feel their best and live their most vibrant and fulfilling lives through healthy movement. Our work together explores how your lifestyle habits, movement patterns and physical and psychological stressors shape your long-term neuromuscular, myofascial and postural patterns. Once we understand these roots, we can start reprogramming how you interact with your environment and your own body to create a self-sustaining cycle of lasting change. While I can't guarantee results, many of my clients have found lasting relief from their ailments where other personal trainers, doctors, physical therapists and health practitioners have failed. Some have even avoided unnecessary surgeries.
"I teach and train martial arts and I strained my shoulder in jiu-jitsu. I was barely able to lift my arm 90 degrees. In the middle of a conversation David stopped and just asked, 'where?' He laid down some well thought out ground rules, and then got to work. It hurt only to the point where you can take it, but just enough to be extremely effective. At some points, it was pure bliss. He only worked on a couple of parts of my shoulders. Spent about 20 minutes. Boom. Full range of motion restored. Full jab speed and strength. I am going to jiu-jitsu tomorrow."
"He's identified issues that no one else has before, even though I've been dealing with chronic pain for years. I walk out of every session feeling like new."
"Very professional, knowledgeable, and skilled. He tailored the session to my body and explained what he was doing and why throughout."
"Quite honestly the best massage of my life. I've referred two friends since and they said the same. Don't hesitate to book a session if you're in pain, you will feel the benefit."
"When I came to David I had a pain in my knee and could not cross my leg due to the pain. After that session I was able to cross my leg and move with almost no pain. It was nothing short of miraculous. He is polite and kind and very professional and listens to you so he can assess how to best help you with your healing process. He is a rare find!"
Five at a time, from clients over the years. The full list is on the reviews page, and the newest are on Google.
Body work that restores function to the muscular and nervous systems for a specific, targeted benefit, rather than a general rubdown. David combines it with myofascial release, trigger point work, assisted stretching and nervous-system down-regulation in every session.
Clients may stay clothed or draped, depending on their comfort and the objectives of the session. Body Reflex Therapy can be done either clothed or draped. Nervous-system sessions are fully clothed with an optional cozy blanket. Rest & Relax is a traditional oil-style massage with draping. Targeted treatments depend on what is being worked on. Regardless of the session, you and David will decide what is most comfortable and appropriate for you.
Come in, have a seat, and have a short chat with David. He will gather information on what you're experiencing, contributing factors in your life and your medical history, and evaluate your posture and how you sleep, walk and carry yourself. Once he has the information he needs, he will decide on the most effective and appropriate treatment plan and you will get started. You can choose to take a break and disconnect from the world, or have a friendly conversation along the way.
Wellspace, 32 Union Square East, Manhattan. Fridays in Suite 1115; Monday to Thursday in whichever suite is free, confirmed with your booking. Saturdays by request.
Yes. If you can pay the full price, David asks that you do, as that is what allows him to see people who can't.
Sessions are at Wellspace, 32 Union Square East, steps from the 4/5/6, L, N/Q/R/W. Easily reached from Queens, Brooklyn, the Bronx, Staten Island and New Jersey.
| Friday | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Monday to Thursday | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Saturday | By request |
Sessions outside listed hours, Sleep Massage in your home or hotel, and office or event sessions by arrangement.
Choose a session and a time. Booking runs on IntakeQ, the same system David uses today; confirmations and reminders arrive by email and text.